Mel Gibson Currently Developing a Sequel to ‘The Passion of the Christ’

Mel Gibson is working with his “Braveheart” screenwriter, Randall Wallace, on a “The Passion of the Christ” sequel.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film would tell the story of Jesus’ resurrection.

Wallace, who majored in religion at Duke University, received a 1995 Oscar nomination for “Braveheart.” Most recently, Wallace directed and co-wrote “Heaven is For Real” (2014), which was adapted from the best-selling book by Todd Burpo and Lynn Vincent, “Heaven Is for Real: A Little Boy’s Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back.”

Wallace and Gibson most recently collaborated on the World War II drama “Hacksaw Ridge,” starring Andrew Garfield. Lionsgate/Summit Entertainment will open the film in November; it’s about Desmond Doss, the first conscientious objector to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor.

“The Passion of the Christ,” which was released in 2004 by Newmarket Films (which was headed by Bob Berney, who now runs marketing for Amazon Studios), earned $612 million worldwide and is acknowledged as the most successful independent film of all time. 

The Christian film genre has seen a number of sequels in the last decade, including “Livin’ It,” “Left Behind,” “The Moment After,” and “God’s Not Dead” among them. 

According to Wallace, no financing or distribution is in place. It’s too early to talk money,” Wallace told THR. “This is such a huge and sacred subject.”

Gibson last directed “Apocalypto” in 2006. He stars in the upcoming thriller “Blood Father,” which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and will be released by Lionsgate in August.

Wallace’s screenwriting credits also include “Pearl Harbor” and “We Were Soldiers.”